THE Western Jets have received a significant boost in the build-up to the under-18 TAC Cup finals with the return of centre half-forward Nick Di Martino and full-back Joe Halloran from the long-term injury list.

Playing their first game since the season opener, the pair were useful contributors as the blue and golds staved off arch-rivals, the Calder Cannons, by three points to clinch a crucial win at Burbank Oval, Williamstown, in round 15.

Regional manager Shane Sexton was thrilled to see DiMartino and Halloran strutting their stuff after they'd shrugged off shoulder and collarbone injuries respectively. "It's handy to have them back at this stage of the season," he said.

The strong-marking Di Martino shapes as an X factor as the Jets take aim at celebrating a history-making premiership.

One of five 19-year-olds permitted on the list, the 192cm, 100kg Keilor product is keen to make up for lost time as he aims to catch the attention of AFL recruiters in coming weeks.

The Jets stormed to fourth spot on the ladder after out-lasting the fast-finishing Cannons. It's been a roller-coaster ride for coach Steven Kretiuk and his players.

The Jets toppled from third to seventh after being outclassed by runaway ladder leaders, the Murray Bushrangers, in the previous round.

Half-forward Bryce Carroll and centre half-forward Darren Haby continued their impressive form. Half-back Matthew Notman, centreman Nathan Schroder and rover Jordan Robbins also played well.

Crumbing forward Travis Lunardi flashed in and out of play. Beanpole full-forward Jack Fitzpatrick kicked three goals.

The Jets played North Ballarat Rebels at Austar Stadium on Sunday.

But they were without key players Mitch Banner, Bryce Carroll, Nathan Scroder, Kyle Hartigan and Sean Tighe, who were rested after playing for Essendon-Keilor College in the Herald Sun Shield grand final at the MCG on Saturday.

The Jets host the Bendigo Pioneers at Burbank Oval this Saturday at 1pm.

Round 15 scoreboard:

Western Jets 13.11 (89) d Calder Cannons 12.14 (86).

Best: Carroll, Haby, Notman, Schroder, Robbins, Lunardi, Kennedy, Banner. Goals: Fitzpatrick 3, Haby 2, Banner 2, Koroneos, Robbins, Di Martino, Notman, Schroder, Lunardi.